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Developing rural tourism in Sabah

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 5 April 2022: The Sabah Tourism Board product team is helping to transform Bingkor township in Sabah’s interior into a sustainable rural tourism destination.

The team had recently carried out an engagement with 47 Village Development and Security Committees (JPKK) in the Mukim Bingkor to explore tourism potential in their respective area.

Organised in collaboration with the Keningau Tourism and Culture Association, the engagement session was officiated by State Assistant Public Works minister and Bingkor assemblyman Datuk Robert Tawik.

Sabah Tourism Board chief financial officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said rural areas such as Bingkor have a great deal of potential to become a draw factor for tourists looking to travel into the interior of the state.

“While we encourage tourists to visit Sabah and experience the state’s major attractions, we equally encourage them to explore the countryside and interact with the local community to get the most out of their visit.

“It is part of the product team’s role to support rural communities in consistently unlocking their potential and creating opportunities for them to thrive through tourism,” he explained.

During the engagement session, Julinus gave a presentation on the tourism industry and how rural communities can benefit from it, especially now that travel is fully resumed with the reopening of the country’s border.

Among other things, the programme aimed to raise awareness among JPKK representatives about tourism products that can be developed, particularly community-based tourism products in Bingkor.

Additionally, they were also briefed on the importance of equipping themselves with digital marketing skills to efficiently market their tourism products.

Julinus added that similar engagement would be expanded to Keningau and other districts soon to empower and reach out to as many rural communities as possible.

Bingkor is about 10 kilometres from Keningau and has a predominantly Dusun population. Nature, culture, and handicrafts are abundant in the area, but they have yet to be developed.

At the moment, Bingkor does not have a community-based tourism offering, but the development of Bandukan Eco Park is in the works.

The community will manage the new tourism product with assistance and training from the Sabah Tourism Board.

In addition, the Keningau Tourism and Culture Association will work with Sabah Tourism to use QR codes to capture visitors to Bingkor.

For more information visit: http://www.sabahtourism.com/

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

Agoda teams up with Thai bank

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 5 April 2022: Digital travel platform, Agoda, has partnered with Krungthai Card Public Company Limited a Thai credit card provider and Mastercard, to launch the “KTC – Agoda Mastercard credit card”.

 It marks Agoda’s first foray into co-branded credit cards and also the first time in Thailand that a leading digital travel platform, bank, and payment provider have partnered in a co-branding venture.

(Left to right: John Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Agoda;  Rathian Srimongkol, President & Chief Executive Officer, “KTC” or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, Aileen Chew, Country Manager, Thailand and Myanmar, Mastercard.

The co-branded cards will make it easier for travellers to save and earn, while further building customer loyalty to the brands through a range of attractive benefits and savings for the cardholders.

Agoda chief executive officer John Brown said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Agoda to help its partners to extend visibility and reach customers loyal to KTC and Mastercard. Partnering with these leading brands will ensure Agoda is front of mind when their users make travel plans, through super deals and incentives to book on Agoda.”

Travel is a top spend category for KTC’s cards, and the brands hope that the incentives offered can go some way to speeding up the recovery of the tourism industry in Thailand. KTC aims to reach 150,000 card members within the next five years.

Speakers line up for WTTC Global Summit

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 5 April 2022: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveils its speakers for its upcoming Global Summit in Manila, which includes Indonesian/Dutch activist Melati Wijsen.

At just 12 years old, activist Melati Wijsen founded Bye Bye Plastics – a global movement powered by youths around the world to end the use of plastic bags, and in 2018 alongside her sister, was named one of the “World’s most influential teens” by Time magazine.

Taking place in Manila, the Philippines, from 20-22 April, the global tourism body’s highly anticipated 21st Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event on the calendar.

Industry leaders will gather with more than 20 government representatives in Manila to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

South Korean politician Ban Ki-Moon who served as the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations between 2007 and 2016, will also address delegates virtually at this prestigious event.

Also on stage at the Global Summit will be the Tourism Ministers from around the world, including Spain, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Japan, Maldives, and Barbados.

WTTC CEO and president Julia Simpson said: “We are delighted to have such influential speakers already confirmed for our Global Summit in Manila.

“Melati is an inspiration to us all. A real changemaker who from such a young age has been instrumental in raising awareness of the damage caused by plastic and has inspired young people around the world to lead change.

“After more than two years, the region is perfectly positioned to post the losses caused by the pandemic. WTTC’s Global Summit will act as a catalyst to drive forward the recovery of a sector that is critical for both the economy and jobs.”

Philippine Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said: “Preparations are underway to ensure the success of WTTC’s Global Summit in Manila, which serves as the light at the end of the tunnel following a long period of darkness for global tourism.

“It is heartening that these inspiring individuals have joined our efforts to bring the industry onward to full recovery”, Puyat added.

Other notable speakers taking to the stage during the Global Summit will be international business leaders such as Arnold Donald, President & CEO of Carnival Corporation and Chairman at WTTC; Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director Certares and Vice Charman at WTTC; Craig Smith, Group President International Division Marriott International; Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, COO Tourism Promotion Board Philippines; Federico Gonzalez, CEO Radisson; and Nelson Boyce, Head of Travel for the Americas at Google Inc.

A hybrid event, WTTC’s Global Summit will also feature Kelly Craighead, President & CEO CLIA; Jane Sun, CEO Trip.com, Ariane Gorin, President Expedia for Business; and Darrell Wade, Chairman Intrepid Group.

The WTTC Global Summit is taking place in the Philippines at a time when the country and the region are beginning to recover from the pandemic and will showcase the importance of Travel & Tourism in the region.

WTTC’s recent research shows the forecast for the Asia Pacific region could be its Travel & Tourism sector approaching pre-pandemic levels this year.

According to the research, the sector’s contribution to the region’s GDP could reach USD2.9 trillion, near pre-pandemic levels. In contrast, employment could reach over 190 million jobs, surpassing 2019 figures and providing 5 million jobs to the sector.

To reach close to pre-pandemic levels this year, WTTC says governments across the region and worldwide must continue focusing on the vaccine and booster rollout – allowing fully vaccinated travellers to move freely without the need for testing. The 21st Global Summit will take place in Manila, the Philippines, from 20 to 22 April 2022.

THAI launches “Hottest Sale” Promotion

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 5 April 2022: Thai Airways International discounts fares for the summer holiday season in April from Bangkok or Phuket to popular destinations in Asia, Europe and Australia.

Economy class fares start at THB5,485. Reservations can be made now until 30 April 2022 for travel until 31 December 2022.

Destinations

Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Munich, Brussels, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Asia: Hong Kong, Taipei, Manila, Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, Nagoya, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Dhaka, Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Australia: Sydney and Melbourne.

Air tickets promotions under the tag “Hottest Sale” are available for travel on THAI economy class with taxes and fees included. Terms and conditions apply (taxes and fees vary based on currency exchange rate on the date of ticket issuance). Travel dates can be changed free of charge by June 2022 (except for the fare difference of taxes and fees).

Fares are on offer at the airline’s website, THAI sales offices and THAI ticket agents.

Sarawak rolls out the welcome mat

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 5 April 2022: Sarawak embraced its first batch of international travellers to Kuching from Singapore on Sunday, marking a vital step forward in transitioning to endemicity after almost two years of stringent borders controls to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting was on hand to greet the 157 passengers who arrived aboard Scoot Airlines with the ministry’s permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee and Sarawak Tourism Board’s deputy chief executive officer Suriya Charles Buas.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting putting on a garland made of Sarawak Beads on a passenger as he welcomed the arrival of the first batch of international travellers to Kuching from Singapore after borders reopened.

“This is the day we have all been waiting for. The resumption of international travellers to Sarawak is an important step to give Sarawak’s tourism industry the boost it needs. It is great progress and an opportune time to ramp up our marketing efforts in promoting Sarawak as a safe, and prime eco-tourism destination and also build traveller’s confidence to come to Sarawak,” Datuk Sebastian Ting said.

“We will continue to work closely with the airline industry to increase the accessibility and connectivity for visitors to enter Sarawak without much hassle. We hope to see more direct domestic, regional and international flights to Sarawak soon as this is the right track to promote more investors to the state, which is in line with our Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030,” he added.

Of the 157 passengers, 65 were transiting through Singapore. A total of 96 passengers will be departing from Kuching to Singapore on the return flight. 

Effective 1 April 2022, travellers will no longer be required to apply to enter Sarawak or fill in the e-Health Declaration Form (eHDF).

Malaysian and non-Malaysians who are arriving from Singapore by air will no longer have to take RTK-Antigen tests upon arrival in Sarawak. However, they will be required to have proof of their vaccination certificate, a negative RT-PCR test result (taken two days before departure); download the MySejahtera app and fill in the pre-departure form under the ‘Traveller Icon’; and Covid-19 travel insurance (non-Malaysians).

For more information about Sarawak, log on to Sarawak Tourism Board’s website: https://sarawaktourism.com.

(Your Stories: Sarawak Tourism Board)

Malaysia navigates recovery path

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 5 April 2022: Tourism Malaysia is plotting its marketing path for the next five years outlined in its Strategic & Marketing Plan 2022-2026 as it seeks to steer the country’s recovery following the reopening of borders on 1 April.

The plan launched by Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, last week, focuses on domestic tourism promotion as well as international tourism recovery, with greater emphasis on digital adoption, innovation, health and safety.

Core elements:

  1. Boost domestic tourism;
  2. Forge smart partnerships;
  3. Enhance tourism promotion (online/offline);
  4. Optimise strategic communication and media engagement;
  5. Undertake strategic transformation.

Meanwhile, the new approach in marketing strategy, among others, outlines a priority in creative and digital marketing, enhancing mix promotion, shifting to emotional and sentiment-based promotions, moving to customised markets, and strengthening the brand.

Tourism Malaysia Strategic & Marketing Plan was developed based on National Tourism Policy 2020-2030, National Ecotourism Plan 2016-2025, National Cultural Policy (DAKEN) 2021 and UNWTO Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The strategies are also formulated on market trends and sentiments, secondary data research as well as input from stakeholders and industry players.

As domestic tourism continues to drive the recovery, Malaysia is also gearing up to welcome international travellers by targeting to attract 2 million tourist arrivals with a contribution of RM8.6 billion this year.

Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy said: “With the widespread vaccination roll-out, lifting of travel restrictions, good coordination and information on travel protocols, it is hoped that it will speed up the recovery of international tourism.

“We are anticipating the return of international tourists, especially from the neighbouring countries and medium and long-haul markets, with medical and business travel is expected to regain momentum,” said Nancy.

Ukraine crisis threatens tourism recovery

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TTR WEEKLY
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MADRID, 4 April 2022: After the unprecedented drop in 2020 and 2021, international tourism is beginning to show signs of a gradual recovery in 2022 but the Ukraine crisis could hamper progress.

On the positive side, UNWTO reports that as of 24 March, 12 destinations had no Covid-19 related restrictions in place, and more destinations are easing or lifting travel restrictions, which contributes to unleashing pent-up demand.

However, UNWTO warns that the war in Ukraine poses new challenges to the global economic environment and risks hampering the return of confidence in global travel. The US and the Asian source markets, which have started to open up, could be particularly impacted, especially regarding travel to Europe, as these markets are historically more risk-averse.

The shutdown of Ukrainian and Russian airspace, as well as the ban on Russian carriers by many European countries, is affecting intra-European travel.

It is also causing detours in long-haul flights between Europe and East Asia, which translates into longer flights and higher costs. Russia and Ukraine accounted for a combined 3% of global spending on international tourism in 2020, and at least USD14 billion in global tourism receipts could be lost if the conflict is prolonged.

The importance of both markets is significant for neighbouring countries, but also for European sun and sea destinations. The Russian market also gained significant weight during the pandemic for long haul destinations such as Maldives, Seychelles or Sri Lanka.

As destinations, Russia and Ukraine accounted for 4% of all international arrivals in Europe but only 1% of Europe’s international tourism receipts in 2020.

Economic uncertainty and pressures

Even though it is too early to assess the impact, air travel searches and bookings across various channels showed a slowdown the week after the invasion but started to rebound in early March.

It is certain that the offensive will add further pressure to already challenging economic conditions, undermining consumer confidence and raising investment uncertainty.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that global economic growth could be more than 1% lower this year than projected. In contrast, inflation, already high at the start of the year, could be at least 2.5% higher.

The recent spike in oil prices (Brent reached its highest levels in 10 years), and rising inflation are making accommodation and transport services more expensive, adding extra pressure on businesses, consumer purchasing power and savings, UNWTO notes.

This forecast is in line with the analysis of the potential consequences of the conflict on global economic recovery and growth by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The agency also downgraded its projection for world economic growth in 2022 from 3.6% to 2.6% and warned that developing countries would be most vulnerable to the slowdown.

Based on the latest available data from the UNWTO, global international tourist arrivals more than doubled (+130%) in January 2022 compared to 2021 – the 18 million more visitors recorded worldwide in the first month of this year equals the total increase for the whole of 2021.

While these figures confirmed the positive trend already underway last year, the pace of recovery in January was impacted by the emergence of the Omicron variant and the re-introduction of travel restrictions in several destinations. Following the 71% decline of 2021, international arrivals in January 2022 remained 67% below pre-pandemic levels.

Europe and the Americas perform strongest

All regions enjoyed a significant rebound in January 2022, though from low levels recorded at the start of 2021. Europe (+199%) and the Americas (+97%) continued to post the most robust results, with international arrivals still around half pre-pandemic levels (-53% and -52%, respectively).

The Middle East (+89%) and Africa (+51%) also saw growth in January 2022 over 2021, but these regions saw a drop of 63% and 69%, respectively, compared to 2019. While Asia and the Pacific recorded a 44% year-on-year increase, several destinations remained closed to non-essential travel resulting in the largest decrease in international arrivals over 2019 (-93%).

By subregions, Western Europe registered four times more arrivals in January 2022 than in 2021, the highest of all regions, but 58% less than in 2019. Additionally, the Caribbean (-38%) and Southern and Mediterranean Europe (-41%) have shown the fastest rates of recovery towards 2019 levels.

Indeed, several islands in the Caribbean and Asia and the Pacific, together with some small European and Central American destinations, recorded the best results compared to 2019: Seychelles (-27%), Bulgaria and Curaçao (both -20%), El Salvador (-19%), Serbia and Maldives (both -13%), Dominican Republic (-11%), Albania (-7%) and Andorra (-3%). Bosnia and Herzegovina (+2%) even exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Among major destinations, Turkey and Mexico saw declines of 16% and 24%, respectively, as compared to 2019.

Collinson Visa deal on testing covers APAC

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 4 April 2022: Travellers needing Covid-19 tests are eligible for a discount if they book the test through Collinson and pay using their Visa card.

This week Collinson, a global leader in traveller experiences and medical assistance, reports it is partnering with Visa to offer a range of pre-departure COVID-19 travel tests, including RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests, to all Visa cardholders with discounts of 20 to 10% depending on the country in Asia.

Photo Credit: ICAO. The APAC region.

The Collison website identifies medical centres in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea as participating in the project in Asia.

In addition to the countries in Asia, the Covid-19 testing service is available to Visa cardholders in the United Kingdom.

Visa cardholders will be able to book a test at their preferred in-city clinic from a list of testing facilities identified on Collinson’s website.

Upon completion of their test, customers will receive a test certificate with their PCR test results within 36 hours, and within an hour, from the clinic directly for Rapid Antigen tests, which, if negative, can then be used for travel.

Visa cardholders will also benefit from discounted pricing:
15% discount on all PCR tests in Singapore;
10% discount on all PCR tests in the rest of Asia Pacific markets;
5% discount on antigen tests in the Asia Pacific;
20% discount for any type of test taken in the UK.

The promotional codes should be entered at the time of booking a pre-departure Covid-19 test.

The announcement follows on from recent Collinson research, which revealed that over half of respondents (54%) expect robust Covid-19 testing protocols will remain key to re-opening borders until the end of 2022 in the Asia Pacific, with a further 26% expecting this until the end of 2023.

Collinson president Asia Pacific Todd Handcock said: “While the Asia Pacific continues to be the first-in, last-out of the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of travel testing remains.”

Collinson, through its travel medical services, has become the UK’s leading airport testing provider, having spent the past two years working with more than 30 airlines, airports, health passport providers and other members of the travel ecosystem, as well as governments around the world to aid the safe restart of travel.

To check out the countries and testing centres available visit: https://covidtravellertesting.com/ and click on the drop-down menu ‘Shop’.

Hospitality Talent Fair 22 to 23 April

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 4 April 2022: Dusit Thani College is resuming its annual Hospitality Talent Fair, an exclusive job fair for the hotel and hospitality sectors that gives students from all educational institutions a chance to check out career opportunities.

Scheduled for 22 to 23 April 2022, the event will convene as an in-person event at the Dusit Thani College on Srinakarin Road (next to Seacon Square Shopping Centre, Bangkok) and online via Beamian platform to support the industry post-pandemic.  

Dusit Thani College hosts the Hospitality Talent Fair to present employment opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and other service businesses. It allows businesses to source qualified workers from the pool of graduating students from Dusit Thani College and other institutions offering hotel management programmes.

“In the past, this event had been held for our college students only, but this year, we will open it to students and graduates from every educational institute with a service business programme,” said Dusit Thani College rector Frouke Gerbens

Being a hybrid event allows onsite and online participation extending the reach beyond Bangkok.

For hotels, and supportive businesses interested in joining, contact 02-361-7811-3 extension 263, 265 or email [email protected] for more information or visit www.dtc.ac.th. 

Outrigger plants flag in the Maldives

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 4 April 2022: Outrigger Hospitality Group announced today that it is acquiring the newly renovated five-star Maafushivaru Resort in the Maldives – adding another premier beach property to its expanding global portfolio as early as 1 April 2022.

The luxury resort will be renamed Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort and is located on a private island in the pristine South Ari Atoll region, a 25-minute seaplane flight from Malé – offering convenient access and breathtaking views for arriving guests. The resort is comprised of a collection of 81 luxury villa styles, including beach, pool and duplex accommodations, as well as coveted overwater bungalows and more.

“There are few destinations that evoke higher levels of relaxation, elegance and seclusion than the Maldives. This resort is the perfect addition to our array of global beachfront properties,” said Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group. “With travel on the rise, we look forward to welcoming our global guests to the Maldives and curating unforgettable Outrigger Signature Experiences that allow visitors to appreciate Maldivian culture in an iconic beachfront setting.”

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is classified by many world travellers as the ultimate luxury beach destination. Known for its uninterrupted views of white sandy beaches and a seemingly endless turquoise lagoon, the Maafushivaru Resort has recently undergone extensive modernisation and is poised to be among the Maldives’ most sought-after vacation destinations.

Outrigger will leverage the knowledge of General Manager John Allanson, who has served the brand previously and has three decades of hospitality leadership experience. In his new role, Allanson will spearhead the transition of this property utilising The Outrigger Way philosophy. This ethos has allowed the brand to expand across the globe without compromising its values of caring for guests, hosts and place.

“Respecting local host culture and fostering a deep appreciation for the communities in which we operate is key to the Outrigger experience,” added Wagoner. “As Outrigger nears its 75th anniversary this year, we look forward to celebrating this new luxury property in the Maldives as part of the next chapter for our premier beach resort brand.”

The Outrigger brand is renowned for barefoot luxury – effortlessly fusing contemporary comforts with a relaxed, joyful vibe. In addition to blissful accommodations, guests to Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort can look forward to exceptional dining, live music entertainment and bespoke Signature Experiences.

The private island resort has seven restaurants, bars and cafes on the island, which offer a stimulating mix of food and beverage offerings. Cuisine ranges from Asian to the Mediterranean; enjoy fresh-caught sushi and teppanyaki one day, then steak and salad the next. Music plays a keynote in the Outrigger experience – from the chill beats of a DJ at the Water Bar to the sweet sounds of a live band, the energy on the property is unmatched.

Signature Experiences include underwater dive adventures with the resident marine biologist to view manta rays at the nearby coral reefs and boat excursions around the South Ari Atoll. The brand’s environmental stewardship platform, Outrigger’s ZONE (OZONE), enriches guest experiences with coral reef restoration to protect our oceans and help them thrive for generations to come.

For the ultimate relaxation, the resort spa is an oasis of well-being with customised treatments including rooms for couples. As one of the most romantic destinations on earth, vow renewals on the soft white beaches are also offered as a way to cherish new-found love or a renewed romance.

For more information or to book a stay at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort from 1 April 2022, visit Outrigger.com/Maafushivaru. A special ‘Book Early and Save’ offer includes room and half board. The property will soon be integrated into Outrigger DISCOVERY – a newly enhanced loyalty programme connected with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA).

ABOUT OUTRIGGER HOSPITALITY GROUP

For nearly 75 years, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has charted a journey of discovery – expanding from Hawaii to premier beach resort destinations including Fiji, Mauritius and Thailand.

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